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There is substantial evidence supporting the role of interferon (IFN)‐γ–producing T helper (T_H) 1 and interleukin (IL)‐17–expressing T_H17 lymphocytes in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, to date little is known about the potential cooperative interplay between these 2 cytokines. In the current study, we sought to evaluate the frequency of IFN‐γ–expressing T_H17 lymphocytes in MS and EAE, and study their recruitment into the central nervous system (CNS).

Human T_H17 lymphocytes were expanded in vitro from the blood of healthy controls and relapsing MS patients using IL‐23. Immune cell migration to the CNS was assessed in vitro with primary cultures of human blood–brain barrier (BBB)‐derived endothelial cells, and in vivo in EAE mice.

We demonstrate that in response to IL‐23, human memory lymphocytes …